Meet Debbie Baker

Debbie was born and grew up in California. Before moving to Norfolk she lived in Las Vegas, South Carolina and Tennessee. Because her son was in the U.S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, Debbie and her husband, Gary, moved here in 2011.

Although Debbie is officially retired from her job as bookkeeper/payroll clerk, she currently works for her son’s company from home one day a week.

Debbie met Vickie Reid while walking their dogs and Vickie shared that she was a Master Gardener. She encouraged Debbie to join the Class of 2024. Debbie laughed at the suggestion. Although she loves growing vegetables she didn’t believe she could become a Master Gardener.

Upon joining and attending her first class she asked herself what in the world had she gotten herself into. Although it was a lot of information to digest, she is very proud of herself for completing the classes and learning so much.

To attain her required fifty hours, Debbie worked at the Fred Heutte Center in both the pollinator garden and the square-foot garden. She also worked at the East Ocean View Children’s Garden, the Potager Garden and Butterfly House at Norfolk Botanical Garden, the plant sale and the seed project. Debbie attended the Virginia State Fair where the Norfolk Master Gardeners share information with attendees about gardening.

Now that she has completed her training, she plans to participate in as many projects as possible, hoping to try all of the projects at least once.

Debbie likes to tend to her garden at home, read, sew and visit with friends. She volunteers at her church and at Christian concerts. She is working on a scrapbook about her mission trip to Kenya with Project Lucas, where she helped them plant a garden.

Debbie and her husband have been married for 34 years and have one son and three granddaughters. Her cat rounds out the family unit.

When you see Debbie, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.